Frank Christian
The 2024 Summer Olympics are here in France, and the football world is ready for a month filled with great goals, iconic moments, and superstar players. The hosts and past champions like the United States and Spain aim for gold, showcasing the talent in today’s game. However, the history of women’s soccer boasts legendary players who set high standards that current stars strive to achieve.
Here is a look at the best women’s soccer players of all time, considering individual awards, team successes, memorable moments, and career longevity to identify the top players. Below is a rundown of those who narrowly missed making the list.
Top 10 greatest female soccer players in history
Highlighting legends from different eras, The Sporting News ranks the top 10 female soccer players of all time.
10. Sun Wen (China)
Sun Wen, a global icon of Asian women’s football, had a remarkable 16-year career with the Chinese national team. She achieved accolades like reaching the Women’s World Cup final in 1999, where she won the Golden Ball as the best player. Sun’s contributions earned her nominations for FIFA Women’s Player of the Year awards and secured her a place among the greats.
9. Carli Lloyd (USA)
Carli Lloyd’s career as a consistent big-game performer for the successful US national team stands out among her peers. With numerous crucial goals and iconic moments in Olympic and World Cup triumphs, Lloyd’s 134 international goals solidify her legacy as a top player. Her leadership on and off the field makes her a standout in women’s soccer history.
8. Alex Morgan (USA)
Alex Morgan, with a prolific international goal-scoring record and multiple titles, has left an indelible mark on women’s football. Her achievements in World Cups, Olympics, and at the club level demonstrate her prowess as a complete player. Morgan’s influence goes beyond the field, where she advocates for equality, positioning her as a revered figure in the sport.
7. Homare Sawa (Japan)
Homare Sawa, a revered figure in Asian women’s football, boasts a career filled with individual and team successes. Her standout performance in Japan’s 2011 Women’s World Cup victory, where she led the team to glory, exemplifies her skill and leadership. Sawa’s consistency and impact in multiple FIFA tournaments elevate her legacy among the greats.
6. Michelle Akers (USA)
Michelle Akers, an early pioneer in women’s soccer, set high standards with her goal-scoring prowess and notable achievements. Her standout performance in the inaugural Women’s World Cup and contributions to the US national team’s success define her legacy. Despite facing adversity with injuries, Akers’ impact on the sport remains undeniable.
**Top Women’s Soccer Players of All Time**
The soccer world has seen some incredible talent over the years, with women athletes showcasing their skills and dominating the game on a global stage. Let’s take a look at five of the top women’s soccer players of all time.
**1. Michelle Akers (USA)**
Regarded as one of the all-time greats, Michelle Akers was named FIFA Player of the Century in 2002. Her exceptional skills and contributions to the sport have solidified her place in soccer history.
**2. Christine Sinclair (Canada)**
Christine Sinclair, known for her prolific goal-scoring abilities, is the most prolific goal scorer in the history of international women’s football. With 190 international goals and 331 caps, Sinclair’s impact on the game goes beyond just scoring goals.
**3. Abby Wambach (USA)**
Abby Wambach, the most prolific goal scorer in U.S. history and second overall in international football, has left a lasting legacy in the sport. Her memorable goals and impressive achievements on the field have earned her a top spot among the best players in women’s soccer.
**4. Birgit Prinz (Germany)**
German striker Birgit Prinz, known for her exceptional goal-scoring abilities, had a prime like no other. Winning multiple titles and awards both nationally and internationally, Prinz’s dominance on the field sets her apart as one of the greatest players in the history of the game.
**5. Mia Hamm (USA)**
Mia Hamm’s impact on women’s soccer extends far beyond the field. As a leader and role model, Hamm’s ability to score goals and create opportunities for her teammates made her a standout player in the history of the sport.
While these five players have left an indelible mark on women’s soccer, there are many more incredible athletes who have contributed to the growth and success of the game. Their dedication, skill, and passion have inspired generations of players and fans alike, shaping the world of women’s soccer for years to come.
Legendary Women’s Soccer Players Throughout History
Two renowned soccer players have made a mark in the global arena for their outstanding careers in women’s soccer. Formiga and Kristine Lilly are revered as cap heroes for their remarkable longevity in the sport.
Kristine Lilly holds the record for the most international caps, having played 354 times for the United States over a span of 25 years. On the other hand, Formiga, with 234 caps for Brazil, stands out as the only player to participate in seven World Cup tournaments and all seven Olympic tournaments in football history.
Several players from the current generation of Spanish stars are on the brink of breaking into the top rankings, with Alexia Putellas, Aitana Bonmati, and Jennifer Hermoso making significant strides. However, injuries have hindered Putellas’ career, Bonmati is still young at 26, and Hermoso, at 34, is racing against time to achieve the necessary accomplishments for the top rankings.
Another standout player just outside the top 10 is Sam Kerr, known for her exceptional talent but plagued by injuries in recent years.
Despite the absence of goalkeepers in the top rankings, Hope Solo of the United States and Nadine Angerer of Germany are recognized as exceptional talents in their position, boasting illustrious careers full of global accolades.
While Alex Morgan and Carli Lloyd have secured spots in the Top 10 list, Megan Rapinoe, an icon in the sport, narrowly misses out due to the scarcity of memorable moments during the era of U.S. dominance in women’s soccer.
Additionally, Brazilian forward Cristiane and Norwegian star Ada Hegerberg have the potential for more memorable achievements. Hegerberg, a two-time Ballon d’Or winner at 29, has a promising future despite setbacks in the national team and lack of consistent Olympic success for Norway.
Furthermore, defenders have started to make a mark in the world of soccer. Wendie Renard of France is a notable central defender, set to lead her team in another FIFA tournament, while Lucy Bronze from England is emerging as one of the greatest full-backs in the history of the game at 32 years old.
